If you love old places with cool stories, you’re going to want to hear about this.
There’s an inn in Massachusetts that’s been open for over 300 years and is the oldest continuously operating inn in the entire country.
Guests have been eating, sleeping, and swapping stories here since before the American Revolution.
The best part is that you can still stay the night, grab a bite, or wander the grounds much like visitors did centuries ago.
Curious yet? Keep reading to find out where to find it, what to expect, and why this place has been going strong since
Where Is It?
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn sits in the town of Sudbury, roughly 45 minutes from Boston by car.
From Worcester, it’s about a 40-minute drive, while Concord is just 30 minutes away.
This spot is tucked right off Route 20, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring the MetroWest area.
About
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn isn’t just a place to grab a bite or spend the night; it’s a full-on experience.
This colonial-style property has been welcoming guests for over 300 years and today operates as a museum, restaurant, and working lodging.
When you visit, you’ll find a cozy New England setting with red clapboard buildings, wide-plank floors, and fireplaces that crackle in the colder months.
One of the highlights is staying overnight, with 10 lovely guest rooms decorated in period style.
Think canopy beds, antique furniture, and just enough creaky floorboards to remind you this place is seriously old.
But even if you’re just stopping by for the day, there’s still plenty to see and do.
That includes the on-site restaurant, which serves hearty, traditional fare like Yankee pot roast, roasted turkey dinners, and warm, delicious cornbread.
You can also explore the grounds, where you’ll find walking trails, a schoolhouse, a working grist mill, a chapel, and an old barn.
There’s also a small gift shop in the inn’s lobby offering products and souvenirs tied to your visit, including grist mill items and other keepsakes.
Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a weekend getaway, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn delivers big on beauty, history, and classic New England vibes.
History
So how did this little inn in Sudbury come to serve guests for more than 300 years?
It all started in 1716 when David Howe opened a small tavern on the Boston Post Road, a busy stagecoach route between Boston and Worcester.
He called it Howe’s Tavern, and it quickly became a popular stop for travelers needing food, drink, and a spot to sleep.
And by the time the American Revolution rolled around, it was already a well-known gathering place.
The inn remained in the Howe family for generations, with Lyman Howe among the last of the Howes to run the place.
Then came the twist that would later give the inn its famous name.
In the mid-1800s, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow visited the inn and was so inspired by its colonial charm that he wrote Tales of a Wayside Inn.
The collection, published in 1863, included “The Landlord’s Tale; Paul Revere’s Ride,” better known today as “Paul Revere’s Ride.”
Because of this, the inn gained national attention, and the name Longfellow’s Wayside Inn became established over time.
That legacy carried into the 20th century, when the property caught the attention of none other than Henry Ford.
In 1923, the automobile tycoon bought the inn and 300 surrounding acres as part of his vision to create a living museum of American history.
He restored it, added the grist mill and schoolhouse, and even helped establish the nonprofit foundation that still runs the inn today.
While the surrounding land has changed over the years, the inn itself has stayed true to its roots.
And now it’s recognized as the oldest continuously operating inn in the United States.
Know Before You Go
General Visiting
The inn is open year-round and welcomes both overnight guests and day-trippers.
Dining Hours & Reservations
If you’re coming just for the food, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily.
Lunch is usually served from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, followed by dinner at 4:30 PM, with Sunday hours running from noon to 7:30 PM.
It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on weekends or during fall leaf-peeping season.
Overnight Stays
You can book one of the inn’s 10 guest rooms, but they tend to fill quickly, especially around holidays and special events.
Exploring the Grounds
You’re welcome to wander the grounds during daylight hours at no cost, though donations help support the inn’s mission and preservation efforts.
Parking
Parking is free and pretty easy, with a main lot near the front entrance.
Photography
Bring your camera, as the red grist mill, old stone walls, and other details offer classic New England views from every angle.
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